Telehealth may soon extend beyond human medicine to include veterinary care, thanks to a proposal from Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson. The Dallas Democrat introduced legislation aimed at expanding telehealth practices to veterinary medicine, allowing for virtual consultations with veterinarians.
However, not all animal health professionals are in favor of the bill, warning that it could do more harm than good. At a Senate committee hearing, Johnson explained that his proposed legislation seeks to align Texas law with a recent court ruling, which permits veterinarians to establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship through electronic means. Currently, Texas law prohibits veterinary telemedicine without an initial physical examination.
Dr. Nancy Carter, president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, expressed concerns that the bill presents an overly simplistic solution to the challenges of rising veterinary costs and limited access to care. She cautioned that certain conditions could be misdiagnosed without a physical exam, such as the inability to listen to an animal’s heart and lungs, which could lead to serious health risks.
“This runs the risk of missing a serious illness or prescribing medications that do not treat the animal’s condition or even threaten its health,” Carter stated.
Despite the opposition, some supporters argue that telemedicine could be a vital tool, particularly for those in rural areas. Colleen Vera, an animal rescue volunteer and vice chair of the Tyler County Republican Party, shared her experience of living in rural East Texas, where veterinary care is often limited. She believes that while most pet owners may not utilize telemedicine, it could be a game-changer for rescue organizations that face difficulties accessing medication for animals in need.
“I realize most pet owners will never use telemedicine, and it won’t reduce the need to see a vet in person for vaccines and testing,” Vera said. “But for those of us in rescue, especially in rural Texas, telemedicine would be such a blessing.”
Dr. Monica Janacek, a veterinarian and rancher in La Grange, voiced strong opposition to the bill, raising concerns that it could result in the oversight of dangerous diseases that require in-person evaluation. Janacek highlighted how veterinarians on the ground were crucial in identifying the link between dead birds and Avian Influenza in the Panhandle region. Additionally, she warned that conditions such as the invasive screwworm, which can affect livestock, pets, and occasionally people, cannot be detected through virtual consultations.
“This presents a concrete danger to our state’s $15 billion animal agriculture industry,” Janacek warned.
Johnson acknowledged the concerns raised by veterinarians and stated that he is in ongoing discussions with both rural and large animal veterinarians to refine the bill. He expressed his understanding that in-person visits may be preferred but emphasized that telemedicine could offer practical solutions in situations where a physical examination is not feasible.
“Would it be nicer to have somebody in person? Yes,” Johnson said. “That’s not always practical.”
The proposed legislation remains under review by the Senate committee, with further discussions expected.
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